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NEW!—The native good looks and adaptability of Big Bluestem get an intense infusion of color with ‘Blackhawks’. Dark green foliage emerges early in the season. By mid- to late summer, leaf tips and nodes turn purple, and burgundy red inflorescences emerge. As nights cool, the entire plant intensifies to a dark, rich purple that’s almost black.

Blackhawks Big Bluestem is shorter and more upright than the species. Weave it through perennial plantings for brilliant contrasts and striking combinations. Double down on color in a meadow or prairie planting. Give it star status in a combo for a fresh take on mixed containers. Will tolerate a range of soil conditions but does best in well-drained soils in full sun. We expect it to offer similar benefits for birds, butterflies, and native bees as the species. Another Big Bluestem bonus? It’s not attractive to deer.

Introduced by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens in Hebron, IL, ‘Blackhawks’ is a seedling of A. gerardii ‘Red October’. Propagation strictly prohibited, and all plants sold at retail must carry a patent number

Zone

3-9

Growth Cycle

Warm

Foliage Color

Imported Layers Copy 3Created with Sketch.Red / Purple

Foliage Color

Imported Layers Copy 3Created with Sketch.Red / Purple

Bloom:

Path CopyCreated with Sketch.

Midsummer

MOISTURE REQ.:

Dry-Average

LIGHT EXPOSURE:

Sun

HEIGHT W/O BLOOM:

1.5 ft

HEIGHT W/BLOOM:

4-5 ft

ORIGIN:

North America

GROWTH CYCLE:

Warm

MOISTURE REQ.:

Dry-Average

LIGHT EXPOSURE:

Sun

HEIGHT W/O BLOOM:

1.5 ft

HEIGHT W/BLOOM:

4-5 ft

ORIGIN:

North America

Features

New

Native to North America

Our Favorites

Notable Fall Color

Drought Tolerant

Erosion control

Meadow/Prairie Plantings

GROWER INFO & TIPS

Growth rate: medium

Grow in well-drained soil

Water needs: keep evenly moist; avoid overwatering

Possible pests: aphids, leaf spot, spider mites, rust

Can be cut back, but do so before midsummer to avoid interfering with flowering.